Monday, August 30, 2010

Americans are abuzz over noted author and broadcast personality Glenn Beck. Beck is nationally known by his supporters as a defender of American liberties and by his enemies as an outspoken critic of the current political establishment. Both sides, though, are confused over just what Glenn Beck believes concerning his claim to Christianity and Jesus Christ.

On Saturday, August 28, Beck held a Restoring Honor Rally on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., presenting such famous speakers as Sarah Palin, Dr. Alveda King and Marcus Luttrell. The purpose of the event, as Beck's website describes, is to "celebrate America by honoring our heroes, our heritage and our future" and remind Americans that "our freedom is possible only if we remain virtuous," calling all patriots to help him "restore the values that founded this great nation."

Just what "values" does Beck see America returning to, though, and where does he derive those values from? Are they from the Bible, or from something else?

These questions were taken to one of today's foremost defenders of the faith, Eric Barger, the founder and director of Take a Stand! Ministries headquartered in the Dallas area. Eric is an authority on the cults, the New Age, and rock music today. He's generated a letter called "An Open Letter Concerning Glenn Beck" that gives great insight into Glenn Beck's belief system.

An Open Letter Concerning Glenn Beck

Over the last few months there have been many questions and much conversation about the popular broadcaster Glenn Beck and his professed Mormon faith. This letter seeks to identify and clear up the confusion concerning both Beck's stand and about the marked differences between Mormonism and historic, biblical Christianity. Please understand that we do not write these words in an effort to simply be "right" or to win an argument. The purpose of the letter is to determine the truth — something that Glenn Beck himself constantly lauds.

Let us begin by saying that we appreciate the stand Glenn Beck has made concerning our country, its foundation, and the great need for America to come back to God. Many of us have no doubt learned and gleaned information from Beck's thorough research and many fine, conservative guests. In fact, as he has stated many times on his national television program on the Fox News Channel and on his much-listened to radio program, the only hope America, indeed any person or nation, has is to return to and surrender to God. However, therein lies the problem. When Beck speaks of God, informed Christians must immediately question "which God?"

The unsuspecting or those less informed are given the perception that, when Beck mentions God, it must be the same deity that is spoken of as the Creator in the Holy Bible. To what extent Glenn Beck is grounded in Mormon doctrine or understanding may be debatable. However, he indeed presents himself in much the same manner as that of an "evangelical" Christian and also consistently states that he is indeed a Mormon. Let us be clear. Each person reading this must be warned that Glenn Beck's spirituality — which he claims to be the only solution — is not orthodox, historical Christianity in doctrine, beliefs, or practice.

Put bluntly, the basis of Mormonism exists in the idea of godhood for mankind in a doctrine called "The Law of Eternal Progression." This cultic belief states that God was a man as we are now and (through Mormonism and its erroneous teachings) we humans can become "gods" as well. Mormonism's founder, Joseph Smith, wrote, "... You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you..." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 348). Though the modern Mormon Church has tried to appear to be "Christian," this belief is the very core teaching of Mormonism.

On the "Mormon Jesus," Mormon apostle Bruce R. Hunter, a member of Mormonism's "First Council of the Seventy," emphatically wrote, "The appointment of Jesus to be the Savior of the world was contested by one of the other sons of God. He was called Lucifer, son of the morning. Haughty, ambitious, and covetous of power and glory, this spirit-brother of Jesus desperately tried to become the Savior of mankind" (The Gospel Through the Ages, Milton R. Hunter, p. 15). Though the evidence that separates Mormonism from authentic Christianity is overwhelming, just these two examples should give one pause to question whether the Mormon god and Mormonism's unbiblical Jesus could in any way be construed to be the same as that portrayed in God's holy word, the Bible.

In conclusion...No matter how good the fruit may appear, no matter how much we may agree with his stand on America or politics, no matter how sincere or passionate he may be, we feel it is incumbent on those in apologetics ministry to point out that, if indeed Glenn Beck is a Mormon, he is advocating a religion that is not Christianity in any fashion but instead a false religion responsible for damning the souls of all who follow it. Being close or just using similar terms or phrases do not constitute sound doctrine. These things matter and each of us — Glenn Beck included — need to examine whether we have placed our faith, hope, and trust in the real Jesus who is able to redeem and save a sinner or in one of the many worthless counterfeits such as the "Jesus" of the Mormon Church.

23 comments:

Glenn Beck is speaking pure truth. I would be careful not to align yourself against him or people will be able to discern that you are not on the side of sound principles. I respect what you are trying to do, but if you had been at the rally in Washington on Saturday as I was you would be ashamed of this post now.

What Mr. Beck and his non-LDS associates are trying to do for this nation is commendable. He is restoring the faith tradition and religious undergirding that established the greatness we have seen in America.

The fact is Glenn Beck has shown remarkable restraint concerning his Mormonism. I am sure he wold love to share his faith more openly, the way Huckebee gets to. He walks a razors edge trying not to irk someone. I stood 100 yards from the podium on the National Mall Saturday and watched Evangelical pastors raising their hands to God and shouting amens during Beck's speech. When the Black Robe Brigade came on stage they nearly had a heart attack. It was amazing.

Glenn Beck is hitting this out of the park.

He is growing bolder in his religious themes and he is clear to make it known that it is NOT an issue of which church is right. We need to come together and get behind Beck's message. We need to stop playing the tired game of divisive anti-Mormonism or whatever that plagues our culture. It's an us vs. them mentality.

The only way our churches are going to survive into the next generations is if we espouse Glenn Beck's ideals and the mission he has declared in the last year. You would be a fool, and a tool of Satan, to stir up dirt on Beck's faith now. You should be thanking Glenn Beck for his fight.

I was once a member of the Tea Party movement and believed they had upward mobility to make a difference yet it became clear that the they rely on the same corrupt representatives to change our current demise. It reminds me of Promise Keepers, where celebrities were chosen to represent the movement.

These millionaires who claim to feel our pain are nothing more than charlatans, their quest is power and influence over a populace that feels hopeless. They claim our vote will change the spectrum of things, yet our vote is meaningless when the entire system is corrupt.

The demise of America is linked to a fallen Church, that continues to pursue after wealth and worldly recognition even seeking to lobby corrupt politicians to their side. With the absence of foundational truth found only in the Word of God, we are left with nothing but a crumbling structure.

While the present apostasy grows in strength, the collapse of this nation increases with speed. We are a nation with no sense of direction, clinging to politicians and celebrities to market a false hope for us while they drain every resource we have left.

I wasn't a fan of Glenn Beck before he started preaching religion instead of just politics and now I'm even less of a fan. Something just didn't click with me but I didn't know exactly why. Now that I know he is a Mormon I understand why. He's in the same league as Joel Osteen as far as I'm concerned.

The person who I seem to gravitate to on the radio is Dennis Prager (who is Jewish). His values seem to most closely match my own. I pray that Dennis, who is a good friend to Christians, comes to know and accept our Lord Jesus as the Messiah before it is too late.

I perfectly agree with the fact that we have to be aware that Glenn Back's faith is not what bible believing Christians would follow. However - I was brought to our Father God through our Lord Jesus Christ by my sister - a Jehovah's Witness!!! I am NOT a Jehovah's Witness as a result. I am a Bible believing, fundamental Christian. My sister's bible knowlege impressed me and I sought out the true scriptures myself. The farmer, who plants the seed, is NOT the One who makes it grow. Glenn Beck has got America back to thinking and praying - Glenn Beck has planted thousands of seeds. Our Father God Almighty will do the growing. In Jesus' Name.

Regardless if it is a mormom, a jw, a mason or another false cult, only speak of Jesus. Don't use them either. Don't even speak of what works you or your ministry does as it is works built on pride. I think Paul said this in Romans15:18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed, 19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

and especially this romans 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

The scripture will turn the simple into wise ones.

Jesus alone and 2 Tim 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Siding with foxes. This is going to be an article that will probably upset many of you out there. You will defend and justify, but in the end you will have to choose a side.

In these days of political turmoil and strife we on the conservative side cry out for someone to lead the charge.

Problem is that we have thrown our lots in with the foxes verses the wolves.

What we have forgotten is who we serve, that is the Lord Jesus Christ and neither the foxes or the wolves recognize Him for who he is; The one and only Savior.

This past weekend Glenn Beck held a faith-based event in front of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington. He rallied conservatives of different faiths around their shared values, principles and strong belief that faith can play an essential role in reuniting the country.

Problem is that Beck is a Mormon. one who does not see our Lord Jesus Christ as the one true Son of God. In Beck's mind Jesus is just one of many gods and many sons. Beck is a fox among the sheep.

In fact in an interview just after the event in Washington, Beck stated…

"Most Americans Don't Recognize Obama's Christianity"

“You have to learn his (Obama’s) theology. Learn his influences. Learn who he has surrounded himself with his whole life. More knowledge, not less. More access to information, not less,” Beck explained.

And after going over a few clips, the broadcaster concluded that Obama’s theology is not Muslim. But neither is it Christian.

“It's a perversion of the gospel of Jesus Christ as most Christians know it,” Beck asserted. “But as usual, the media won't look at any of those facts because most people in the media don't have any idea what Christianity really is.”

Why are we listening and siding with foxes?

Scripture says…

1 Corinthians 2:14 (KJV) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Mormon's are good people. They maintain conservative values socially, but theologically, they are worlds apart.

A great pastor and theologian Harry Ironside stated the following…

"Error is like leaven, of which we read, "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump." Truth mixed with error is equivalent to all error, except that it is more innocent looking and, therefore, more dangerous. God hates such a mixture! Any error, or any truth-and-error mixture, calls for definite exposure and repudiation. To condone such is to be unfaithful to God and His Word and treacherous to imperiled souls for whom Chris died." --H.A. Ironside

What we in today's modern church have forgotten is biblical separation. We have forgotten the ways of the Lord and instead sided with foxes, who like the wolves are out to kill, and do as much damage as the wolf. But because of their cunning and slyness, we the sheep, have let down our guard and believe we can live among the foxes.

This sort of mindset does one thing and one thing only. Allows the wolves to come in unnoticed, that is until it is too late and the slaughter has begun.

satan knows about the Bible too but I wouldn't consider him to be a good source to spread the Gospel.

I said I listen to Dennis Prager (a Jew) on the radio. He often teaches the Bible and many Christians attend his classes. I wrote to Dennis and told him that I would not want to be taught the Bible from him because he does not believe in Jesus as the Messiah. Since the entire Bible is all about Jesus (O.T. included) then listening to him teach about the Bible would be like a man teaching all about a dollar bill but totally ignoring the image of George Washington in the center.

I agree with Eric that what Beck's doing for the country POLITICALLY is good, but what he's doing for the GOSPEL is what's the problem, and the bigger picture he's addressing here.

I have a relative even who's so confused over what Beck believes that she actually believe's he's a Bible-believing Christian. Problem is, he's a Bible-believing + Book of Mormon LDS cultic "Christian." Throw in some of his Catholic background and we're really in a theological stew.

We have to ask the more important question, "What God is Beck calling America to return to?" Different religions/cults absolutely do not share the same God. Only one is true, the others are false and dead ends. Because they're dead ends, if Beck is (whether he realizes it or not) pulling people into accepting the Mormon faith, then he's pulling them to Hell. That's the big picture, leagues more important than the passing page of the history of one country.

Remember that it's our eternal country that matters first and foremost.

Salvation does not depend on which Church you belong to. All the denominations have differences of opinion. We have the freedom to dissagree, EXCEPT about one thing, Salvation is through Jesus Christ.

I don't agree with aspects of many many churches. About the Rapture, pre-trib, Post-trib, replacement theology, or not, works required or just by Grace.

Think about it. Do you have a stone in your hand? Have you read what Jesus wrote in the dust when the Pharasees demanded the death of the woman? If you know it all, share it with me and I will also pick up a stone. Until I know it all, I for one will not judge "how" someone else "came to Christ".

I fully expect to meet many of my Morman, JW and Messianic Jews frienda in Heaven. At the same time I expect to miss some of my "mainstream" church friends who talked the talk but didn't walk the walk. Just like the "Pharasees"

"I fully expect to meet many of my Morman, JW and Messianic Jews frienda in Heaven. At the same time I expect to miss some of my "mainstream" church friends who talked the talk but didn't walk the walk."

...then YOU WILL see your non-Christian friends after you die because you'll be joining them in Hell because you deny the following by having such a belief:

John 3:16-18

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son."

And it's discouraging that you equate speaking the truth with casting the first stone. Bad analogy.

The ONLY way to salvation is through Jesus Christ. How did you miss that?

I have know that Jesus was real all of my life. I know also that I wasn't saved until I accepted Jesus into my heart. I don't worry about going to hell because of my friends. Jesus will never let go of me.

My point is that this relationship with Jesus is the only thing that counts when we reach judgement day.

Church "doctrine" is always the interpretation my man of Gods Word to man. You have no right to condem until you know God's heart.

Mormans have doctrine I don't agree with. But, they also put the Bible foremost in their theology. They also put salvation by the sacrifice made by Jesus Christ on the cross as the way to Heaven. They emphasis works too much in my opinon, but they get the key point.

Many mainstream denominations still push salvation by works not by grace only.

My point is that we as Christians have too many enemies in this war against Satan to turn on each other.

I have met Glen Beck. I feel that he is Christian and that he has been appointed by the Holy Spirit to do a certain work.

* They produce spirit-babies that are sent to earth; there they gain bodies and earn sainthood.

* Jesus is the brother of Lucifer.

* Jesus is the chosen/elected savior by a council of gods from other worlds.

* America is the promised land, not Israel. The holy city is Independence, Missouri, not Jerusalem. Jesus' latter-day agenda is to return to Missouri.

* The U.S. Constitution is as sacred as the Book of Mormon. In the latter days, it will be under siege and will be saved by Mormons. Thus, we must "reclaim America" to save the Constitution and usher in a genuine age of Mormon leadership. They want to build a Mormon kingdom on earth, similar to modern day Dominionists/Kingdom Now proponents within Christianity. Founder Joseph Smith had a socialistic philosophy and wished to have a society that shared things in common.

* America's founding fathers were "spirit babies" who created a "sacred Constitution."

Glenn is pandering to the evangelical Christian masses that continue to be willing to fall for anything. There is a big difference between a political figure and a religious leader. Glenn is trying to position himself as a political leader by stepping on the backs of a religious base. He knows that being a Mormon, he needs the evangelical masses to support him and the way he is getting this support is preaching 'unity' of all those who use the name of God in any form. He preaches the same thing the emergent church is preaching. Born again believers beware.... there is no unity with anyone when any compromise of the gospel is involved. How dare we even consider a compromise. I follow the true living God that does not compromise his Word for man. What we need to do is conform our politics and social outlook to the Bible and not the other way around. God loves all but only those who know and love Him - not their personal version of Him - are saved and part of His Church. These are dark days and Glenn is just another distraction from truth. Sorry Glenn. You should stick to politics and current event news/opinion broadcasting. Our worship of the living God and his Son, Jesus Christ, has nothing to do with politics. Christians, pray and look up for your redemption draws nigh (and it's not Glenn Beck).

I know exactly what you said. You said Jehovah Witnesses and Mormons will be in Heaven because they have a true faith in Jesus.

Please read:

http://lamblion.com/articles/articles_cults13.php

http://lamblion.com/articles/articles_cults5.php

After reading this and you still believe the JW and Mormons are true believers in Jesus then I stand by what I said...you are denying the Word of God in John 3:16-18. Would a true believer in Jesus deny His Word? I'm not talking about something like the timing of the Rapture, I'm talking about the black and white concept of who does or does not go to Heaven based on the Word of God.

I did miss that you said MESSIANIC Jews instead of Jews. So I stand corrected there.

No doubt that Beck and his Mormon faith are wrong. If Beck has challenged those who have back slid to return to their Christian church, then we must believe that God may use Beck to accomplish his will. It will be interesting to see if Beck pushes his Mormon faith more and more.

"What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice."In essence Paul is saying "Their motives are between them and God" my bible goes on to say...."Whether the preaching was done for false motives or pure, whether for appearance's sake or for the sake of what was right, Paul was pleased that the gospel was being spread." I know that Paul is referring to "Christ" where Beck is only referring to "God", but if out of five hundred thousand people in attendance at his rally and another possible Million people watched online. If only 5% of those people in attendance, (25,000 people)...think (with no knowledge of Beck's religion)"You know I have not been to church in a long time, maybe I should go this Sunday."...this person may well have thought of his neighborhood Christian church and attended...not knowing where else to go. Maybe someone else thought "You know kids, maybe it would be fun for you to get connected with a local youth group" again at maybe at a local Christian church. Maybe someone else that has lost their job, house and everything else, just needs hope...and heard or went and saw Beck's message of Faith, Hope and Charity...maybe that family will look to their local church for help and find that the help does not always come in the way of finances...maybe they need a little Hope and find compassion along with Jesus Christ. Beck so far, at least what I hear on the news has held the biggest rally to date in American History. With that kind of following...his message at least as far as I have heard, is not about "Mormonism" (I listen to him daily) but about God, praying on your knees, 40 days of fasting, tithing to your local church of 10% and restoring honor back to America. I think that he is waking up America to at least "think" about God and who that individual's God is. I believe that God is using Beck to get the message out to the masses and its up to the local churches to draw in those people who are seeking answers in today's crazy world. It's up to our local Christian churches to preach the truth about Jesus Christ and why people need HIM. Christian churches are not teaching about Christ, the cross, hell, the blood shed of Christ nor His saving grace, if Christian churches are not doing this can we really blame Beck for trying to wake up America, that we are losing the battle with evil. At least he is using his platform to speak up to the masses and getting people to think about Eternity!

BillyI said "no one gets to Heaven except by the sacrifice of Jesus and the Grace of God."I did not say "all Mormons and JWs are going to Heaven." But if a Mormon or a JW's has recieved Christ, then Christ WILL write his or her name in the Book.

I can tell you that I have had debates with both Mormon's and JWs and some have scampered away licking their wounds.

I am an old man. I have been saved for more than 50 years and I still don't know it all. But I do know not to "assume" that anyone else does know it all either.

Don't think that all evangelicals, and I am one, are in accordance as to interpretation of the Bible.

I also know that all Mormons and JW's are not in lock-step with their churches doctrines.

Again, I emphasize that doctrine won't get you to Heaven, only Grace. Most churches today have become social gatherings. Few sadly are doing God's work like they should.

Do you know that the LDS leadership has been meeting with a council of Evangelical pastors for about 17 years. They are attempting to find ways to change their doctrine to be in line with evangelical standards. This will take years, I'm sure, but at least they are trying.

I love all my fellow humans, I hope that we all can overcome prejudices and fear enough to have civil conversations with them. They (Mormons) do have some science fiction like things in some of their teachings, but I know that not all of them believe that stuff. I have heard some pretty wild ideas coming from our preachers also. The Bible stops after the Great White throne judgement and the New Earth and Heavens. I really really am courious about what He has in store for us during Eternity, but I am not going to by into anyone else guesses about that either.

Secondly:You said something about Jews.

Do you also believe that all Israel is going to Hell?

If you will read carefully, you will find a verse which states that "all Israel will be saved". Romans 11:25,26.

Have you missed this, or are just anti-semetic?

Thirdly:I listen to Glen Beck. I have never heard him attempt to draw anyone to his church. Because of his venue, he does have to be politicaly correct in the way he phrases somethings. He does ask people to go the "their" church, Synagog, temple or mosque and pray.He also took umbrage with Obamas statements about "collective salvation" instead of individual salvation through "Grace" and being "born again" through Jesus Christ. Wow, what a concept.

Right after Glen Beck's 8/28 rally, I had wrote on your blog that I was in support of Glen Beck and that he was helping to bringing people of all faith's together for the greater good. Boy, was I wrong. Little did I realize what he was doing...how deceived I was and I am sure many many thousands of others. I watch GB because he is really knowledgable about history, his research, his recources ect. Well on last week either Tuesday or Wednesday's show, I watched the first 2 minutes where he started to talk about how Jesus was ONLY a man, a revulationary in his own right....about that time I turned it off. I could not listen to thelies....I saw the truth of what GB was doing. There was no holding back now on his show, GB is putting it all out there sharing the lies of Mormonism, making us beleive that he is helping bridge America's religious gap...His show is leading the way to grow the Mormon church or as my husband said, to bridge the religious gap for the one world religion. I was so head set that GB had done something good, giving GB the benefit of the doubt, having friendly discussions with my husband defending the "good work" of GB. My husband suggested that we pray that God would reveal to me (he doesn't watch GB)the truth. There it was smack in the face the denial of Jesus Christ onNational TV. God HAD revealed the truth to me that very night my eyes were opend to the deception under the guize of BG's "God." I am praying that millions of others will also open their eyes too before they are sucked into what looks like the truth packaged up all nice and neat in a beautiful box, which looks so good..all the while the lie is spread that Jesus Christ is not the Son of God, that He did not die on the cross for our sins...People, do not believe this lie and deception, Satan himself sit's back and smiles. I was disapointed at GB at first then angered...but God had better plans not to let me be deceived. We DVR your show to be able to listen to the truth about GB and others. Thank you for all of the information that you put out there about those that you recommend on your web site, my husband and I are arming ourselves with knowledge and truth. Seeing how GB and others are part of the cult churches and Emergent Churchs. I have turned off GB and will now no longer listen nor watch him and plan on sharing the truth about GB to those that I know that do. Thank you for your boldness to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and proclaim Him as the Son of God.